The PWHL Walter Cup Playoffs commence with an exhilarating Game 1 between the Ottawa Charge and the Boston Fleet. This pivotal matchup is set for Thursday, April 30, 2026. The action begins at 7 p.m. ET at the Tsongas Center.
Key Game Details
- Date: April 30, 2026
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Tsongas Center, Boston
- Broadcast: NESN, Scripps Sports Network, TSN 1/3, TSN.ca, PWHL YouTube
Team Overview
Ottawa Charge
- Record: 9 wins, 8 losses, 1 overtime loss (9-8-1-12)
- Total Points: 44
- Top Scorer: Brianne Jenner (30 GP, 12 goals, 14 assists, 26 points)
- Power Play: 17.8% (Ranked 3rd)
- Penalty Kill: 81.8% (Ranked 6th)
Boston Fleet
- Record: 16 wins, 5 losses, 4 overtime losses (16-5-4-5)
- Total Points: 62
- Top Scorer: Jessie Eldridge (30 GP, 14 goals, 9 assists, 23 points)
- Power Play: 14.0% (Ranked 5th)
- Penalty Kill: 91.6% (Ranked 2nd)
Playoff Context
This best-of-five semifinal series marks the first playoff meeting between Ottawa and Boston. Both teams strive for their second appearance in the Walter Cup Finals. The Fleet previously fell to Minnesota in 2024, while the Charge lost to the same team in 2025.
Regular Season Series
The 2025-26 season saw Ottawa emerging victorious with a total of 7 points across four games against Boston, which had its own share of successes. Notably, all contests were closely contested, with Ottawa winning three games via shootouts or overtime.
Performance Insights
- Ottawa boasts six overtime wins this season, setting a PWHL record.
- Boston significantly improved from 44 points last season to 62, with a sharper defense allowing only 45 goals.
- Ottawa’s Brianne Jenner stands out, leading the season series against Boston and maintaining a four-game point streak.
Player Highlights
Both teams feature standout players, including key figures like Megan Keller from the Fleet, who tied the single-season record for defensive scoring. Meanwhile, Ottawa’s Michela Cava returns with impressive playoff experience.
Coaching Remarks
Charge Head Coach Carla MacLeod acknowledges the competitive spirit displayed by both teams throughout the season. “We need to elevate our game to match theirs,” she stated. Fleet Captain Megan Keller expressed confidence in her team, highlighting their strong bond and eagerness for playoff action.
Upcoming Games
Following Game 1 on April 30, the series continues:
- Game 2: May 2 at Boston
- Game 3: May 8 at Ottawa
- Game 4: May 10 at Ottawa
- Game 5: Date TBD at Boston
This exciting series promises intense action, as Ottawa and Boston aim to advance toward the coveted Walter Cup. Both teams will display their newly designed playoff crests during the games, further enhancing the competitive atmosphere.
